No Menstruation (Absent Menstruation)

Highlights

Absent menstruation, also known as amenorrhea, is the absence of menstrual periods. There are two types of absent menstruation. The type depends on whether menstruation hasn’t occurred by a certain age, or whether menstruation has occurred and is then absent.

Absent menstruation may occur for a variety of reasons. The most common of these include natural causes, lifestyle factors, and hormonal imbalances.

It’s important to see a doctor about absent menstruation, as the underlying cause may require treatment. Absent menstruation often resolves once the cause is treated.

Absent menstruation, or amenorrhea, is the absence of menstrual bleeding. It happens when a girl hasn’t had her first menstrual period by age 16. It also occurs then a woman fails to menstruate for 3 to 6 months.

Amenorrhea can happen for many reasons. The most common cause is pregnancy. However, amenorrhea may also be caused by various lifestyle factors, including body weight and exercise levels.

In some cases, hormonal imbalances or problems with the reproductive organs might be the cause.

You should see your doctor if you’re experiencing amenorrhea. The underlying cause of your missed periods may require treatment.

Medications

Physical defects

A teenage girl who hasn’t started her periods by at least age 16 should see a doctor. A trip to the doctor’s office is also necessary if she is age 14 or older and hasn’t experienced any signs of puberty yet. These changes would include the following in numbered order of appearance:

thelarche (breast bud development)

pubarche (pubic hair development)

menarche (onset of menstrual periods)

Menstruating women and teens should see their doctor if they have missed three or more periods in a row.

When you see your doctor about amenorrhea, your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you a series of questions. Be prepared to talk about your normal menstrual cycle, your lifestyle, and any other symptoms you’re experiencing.

Your doctor will also order a pregnancy test if you haven’t had a period in three months. If that condition is ruled out, you may need more tests to determine the underlying cause of your missed periods. These diagnostic tests may include:

Blood tests, which will allow your doctor to check hormone levels in your body. Prolactin, luteinizing hormone, and follicle stimulating hormone are all related to menstruation. Determining these levels can help your doctor determine or rule out the cause of your absent periods.

Ultrasound is an imaging test that uses high frequency sound waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body. It enables your doctor to view various organs, such as the ovaries and uterus, and check for abnormal growths.

CT scan is another type of imaging test that uses computers and rotating X-ray machines to create cross-sectional images of the body. These images allow your doctor to look for masses and tumors in your glands and organs.

Treatment for amenorrhea varies depending on the underlying cause. Hormonal imbalances can be treated with supplemental or synthetic hormones, which can help normalize hormone levels.

Your doctor may also want to remove ovarian cysts, scar tissue, or uterine lesions that are causing you to miss your menstrual periods.

Your doctor may also recommend making simple lifestyle changes if your weight or exercise routine is contributing to your condition. Ask your doctor to refer you to a nutritionist or dietitian, if necessary.

These specialists can teach you how to manage your weight and physical activity in a healthy way.